Strained Wrist. What should I do?

Health: I strained my wrist while practicing and would like some tips on healing.

From Bethany Strang
Posted June 13, 2012 at 06:25 AM

While practicing shifts in the upper register (especially on the G string) I think I pronated my left wrist and twisted it too far because now it is very sore. I think I strained it from that motion. I should know better than to do this, but I think I wasn't paying attention to my position as I was to whether or not I was getting the note in tune. Is there anything I could do to help ease the pain?

Next time, I will be more careful!

Thank you for your help!

From Carlo Ballara
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 06:31 AM

Bethany, I can't help with the healing, but next time make sure your left elbow is brought as far forward as comforably possible when tackling the lofty heights of the G string.

Cheers Carlo

From Brian Kelly
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 09:28 AM

I do not know if it available in your country but try Voltaren Emulgel (ointment). It is an anti inflammatory cream and it works wonders by both reducing the pain and speeding up the healing process.

Some people here will advise you to put ice on it. I never put ice on any injury. Instead, I soak it in hot water to increase the supply of blood to the injured area. This speeds up healing and you will find it also lessens the pain.

I would soak the wrist in hot water for 15 minutes till the whole hand/wrist area turns a nice pink colour and then rub the Voltaren on afterwards.

Been there, done that ! Playing the violin can result in a surprising number on injuries. I have had a few myself.

From John Cadd
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:09 AM

I was going to recommend an Infra Red Lamp that I use on any twisted joints. It always speeded up the healing process. I looked for the modern version and found a very interesting newer invention called a TDPLamp . This is described in Wiki and has a fascinating history . You have to read all that . It`s designed in China but 23 companies (many of them American ) make their own models. Far Infra Red is the thing that mends the damage and promotes micro circulation . TDP Lamp --Wiki . After editing some of this I notice ( below ) that telling people off for hurting is becoming a popular sport on V.com .

From John Cadd
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:14 AM

From Henry Butcher.
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:50 AM

Playing the violin can result in a surprising number on injuries.

Well it would not if one did not force anything..!!

From Brian Kelly
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 01:10 PM

You are quite right Henry but many of us do not find out that we are doing something wrong until the pain kicks in !

From Bethany Strang
Posted on June 14, 2012 at 04:43 AM

Thank you for your thoughts and tips everyone! I will give your advice I try.

@Carlo: Yes, I know... that is what I should have done! LOL! Thanks for the reminder.

From Jack Shepard
Posted on June 14, 2012 at 07:38 AM

I have a Futuro wrist brace that I bought from a drug store years ago that I wear when my wrist gets sore (from overuse or a strain injury as you have described). I wear it very loosely, as much as possible and within a day or two my wrist is usually completely fine. It greatly helps to rest the sore area. Even though they come in 'right' and 'left' hand types, you can use 1 for either, just flip it around.

From John Cadd
Posted on June 16, 2012 at 12:05 AM

The standard type of infra red lamp is very useful for curing joint pain. A strained knee might be sore for 2 or 3 weeks but the lamp will cure the pain in less than a week sometimes. I`ve had a lamp for years and the design has not changed .

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Strained Wrist. What should I do?

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